Civilians near UAE ports scrambled to evacuate on Saturday after Iranian military officials broadcast warnings of impending strikes, making good on threats with a barrage of ballistic missiles aimed at the emirate of Fujairah. The attacks suspended oil-loading operations at one of the world’s most important ship-refuelling hubs, with thick black smoke visible on television footage from the area. The UAE government condemned what it called “terrorist aggression” but said it was still seeking a peaceful resolution.
The assault was part of Iran’s broadening retaliation against the joint US-Israeli offensive, which entered its third week on Saturday. Iran launched simultaneous attacks on Israel while threatening to strike any regional installation linked to US interests. The Islamic Republic’s foreign minister called on Arab neighbours to expel American military forces, arguing that US bases were being used to launch attacks on Iranian territory, including the strike on Kharg Island.
The US struck Kharg Island on Friday and continued additional strikes on Saturday. President Trump said in public remarks that the facility had been effectively destroyed and left open the possibility of further strikes. He also posted on Truth Social calling for a multinational naval force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, naming China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK as nations that should contribute to the effort. Experts said it was the first public admission that the US might not be able to unilaterally force the strait open.
Energy markets were rattled by the developments. Kharg Island handles most of Iran’s oil exports, and its further destruction could push prices from around $120 per barrel to $150 or beyond, according to energy analysts. The Strait of Hormuz normally carries approximately one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, and its continued closure was inflicting mounting economic damage on nations around the world. Trump warned that he would authorise strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure if Tehran did not allow free passage of ships.
The conflict’s human and institutional costs continued to pile up. More than 1,400 people had been reported dead in Iran under relentless bombing. The US embassy in Baghdad was hit by missiles overnight, forcing an emergency evacuation advisory for all American citizens in Iraq. In Lebanon, the war against Hezbollah had killed more than 800 people and displaced nearly a million. Six American service members perished when a military aircraft crashed in western Iraq. Trump refused to give any end date, saying operations would continue for as long as necessary.